Shenandoah agri-tourism program expanding to Page County

A Shenandoah Valley agri-tourism program is extending its reach to Page County.

The Fields of Gold initiative led by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission will survey the county’s agricultural businesses for inclusion in the program’s promotional campaign.

The survey will include agricultural activities, farm retailers and restaurants featuring local products in the county.

“We look forward to seeing the results of the survey the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission is conducting, and are eager to assist in promoting agri-tourism across the Shenandoah Valley,” Pamela M. Flasch, director of communications and tourism marketing for the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.

Fields of Gold is a collaborative regional economic development program now serving six counties and five cities in the Shenandoah Valley.

The counties are Augusta, Bath, Highland, Rockbridge, Rockingham and Shenandoah; and the cities are Buena Vista, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Staunton and Waynesboro.

The program promotes the Shenandoah Valley as an agri-tourism destination. Its goals include creating and retaining farm jobs, expanding nonfarm tourism jobs and nurturing an environment for entrepreneurism.